Steven Schumacher has revamped his midfield with late summer deals
Stoke City is ready to be patient with their deadline day signing, Tatsuki Seko, as he looks to demonstrate the midfield skills that impressed scouts.
The 26-year-old, who captained Yokohama and played for trophy-winning Kawasaki Frontale in Japan, has signed a three-year deal with Stoke. The transfer, finalized on deadline day, involved an undisclosed fee.
Having arrived in England a few days earlier, Seko will soon join training with his new teammates. He could make his debut on September 14 against Oxford United, a match broadcasted by Sky Sports.
Manager Steven Schumacher commented, “He’s been highlighted by the recruitment team for his technical ability. Seko can play both as a number 6 and a number 8, and he’s adept at picking out good passes.”
However, Schumacher acknowledges the challenges Seko might face, given his transition from a different culture and environment. He compared Seko’s adjustment period to that of Bae Junho, emphasizing that the club is eager to see how Seko adapts and performs.
Seko’s arrival marks the end of Stoke’s summer signing spree. Alongside Seko, the club has secured Viktor Johansson, Ben Gibson, Eric Bocat, Sam Gallagher, and Bosun Lawal on permanent deals, with Lewis Koumas, Ashley Phillips, Andrew Moran, and Tom Cannon joining on loan. In the final days of the window, Lewis Baker, Daniel Johnson, and Josh Laurent departed, allowing Schumacher and sporting director Jon Walters to reshape the midfield.